Outdoor dining OK'd for eatery coming to South Hills Village

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Plans for Bonefish Grill restaurant at South Hills Village took a major step forward Monday, as Upper St. Clair commissioners gave a unanimous thumbs up for an outdoor dining area.

The 4,893-square-foot freestanding restaurant is under construction between the Target store site in the mall and First Niagara Bank. A project engineer said it plans to open the first week of December.

Commissioners gave approval after a two-part public hearing that began in September and wrapped up Monday night.

The Tampa, Fla.-based restaurant, which specializes in a fresh fish menu, had been seeking approval from the township for a 648-square-foot outdoor patio with seating. The restaurant agreed to close by 10 p.m. weekdays and said no music would be broadcast outdoors.

Also Monday, commissioners recognized several volunteer firefighters for their service in advance of National Fire Prevention Week, which begins Sunday.

Among those recognized was Chief Steven Moore, who has been a volunteer firefighter for 30 years.

The fire department is planning an open house Oct. 17 at its station on Washington Road.

Commissioners also recognized a nonprofit group, Sonny Pugar Memorial Inc., as a local civic organization. The formal recognition was necessary for the organization to seek a small games of chance license from the state to raise funds Oct. 18 at The Meadows Racetack & Casino.

The group was named for the late Mr. Pugar, a well-known local musician and drummer, and funds are used to bring music therapy services to hospital patients.

Mr. Pugar's widow, Annie Pugar, told commissioners that the organization has provided live music for patients at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and elsewhere.